Judge Drops Charges Against Confessed Killer

NORFOLK — William P. Sadler confessed to police that he killed a man whose bullet-riddled body was found in Newport News last month, but charges against him were dismissed Tuesday on a technicality.

Moments after General District Judge Reid M. Spencer listened to a Newport News detective read the confession, he upheld a defense motion to dismiss the case because the prosecutor had not produced evidence that the shooting occurred in Norfolk, where the judge has jurisdiction.

Spencer also dismissed charges against Lee W.H. Williams, Sadler's cousin and co-defendant, ruling that no evidence was introduced that implicated Williams in the crime.

Prosecutors, who believe the victim was killed at his estranged wife's home in Norfolk and taken to Newport News, can still ask a Circuit grand jury to indict Sadler and Williams. Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Hubert McKenney, who handled the case Tuesday, could not be reached for comment after the hearing.

The two men were charged with murder and using a gun in the slaying of Charles L. Gates, 31, of the 9000 block of Mason Creek Road in Norfolk. A Newport News City Farm work crew found Gates' body covered with leaves near Interstate 64 and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard about 1:20 p.m. Feb. 3.

The victim's wife, Elizabeth Gates, is Williams' sister. Sadler is their first cousin and works with them, according to officials. Sadler, 37, of the 7400 block of Hampton Boulevard, and Williams, 25, of the 1000 block of Woodrow Avenue, have been out of jail on bond since their arrest Feb. 7.

According to Price, Sadler gave him the following account of the shooting:

Sadler and Mrs. Gates went to her house in the 1200 block of Ocean View Avenue after work and found Gates in the living room. Gates and his wife argued about his "rights" to be in the home.

Sadler said he noticed after his arrival that a bedroom was in disarray and figured Gates had ransacked it.

"I know from the conversation with Beth that previously Chuck had come over and knocked all her teeth out with the phone," Sadler told Price.

While the two were arguing, Sadler said he went to the telephone and called Williams. "I would like some assistance," Price quoted Sadler as saying. Later, Sadler said Williams brought him a gun.

Meanwhile, the estranged couple continued arguing. Gates dumped a bag on the floor and a picture fell out. He hit his wife over the head with it, cut her and pushed her.

It was not clear from Price's testimony when Williams arrived with the gun. Sadler allegedly told police that he became "intensely furious" with Gates and stepped between the arguing couple at one point.

Sadler said he took the gun that Williams brought to the house and wrapped it in a towel. "Beth being family and knowing Chuck's history, I took the gun and shot Chuck," he said.

The only statement Williams made to police is that he wasn't present during the shooting, Price testified.

After the hearing, family and friends of the victim disputed allegations that Gates had abused his wife.

A woman who identified herself as Gates' sister would not give her name but said she had never known her brother to beat his wife.

Another woman described Gates as "laid back."

Mark Mullen, who lived with Charles Gates in the 9000 block of Mason Creek Road, said the argument would not have warranted taking his roommate's life.